Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Apologies
My apologies for the lack of notes last week. This was due to a malfunction in my computer system and by the time I got it fixed it was too late for the writing and publication of the notes.
Cloontuskert Grotto
The grotto at Cloontuskert was erected in 1987 to commemorate the Marian Year to honour Our Lady of the Rosary. Sadly on the 8th December 2021 during storm Barra, it was extensively damaged by a falling tree. A committee has now been formed to take on the task of rebuilding the Grotto. The total cost of the rebuild including replacing the statue is €3000. The new committee hope with your support and generosity to fully restore the Grotto and once again make it a focal point to honour Our Lady. They have set up an idonate page for anyone wishing to be associated with its rebuild or you can give directly to the following committee members where they will gratefully accept any donations treasurers Dympna Trautt, Áine Brady or Johnny Malone, and Sean Carty. You can obtain further information by contacting 086 3551103.
Please see Cloontuskert Grotto Facebook Page to see more information on how to donate through idonate.
Death
It is with great sadness I record the death of the oldest man in the parish of Rathcline at Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar on Tuesday 12th April of Tim O’Connor, The Green.
Tim, in his 95th year, was a native of Mallow, Co. Cork and he was predeceased by his wife Mary. Tim and Mary came to live on the Green when Tim moved to work with Bord na Mona in the Mount Dillon works and very quickly made Lanesboro his home. Tim was always a supporter of the working man hence his great interest in Trade Unionism and the Labour Party. He was a real people person who cherished life and especially the company of others. He was a great conversationalist loved gardening and especially bringing lots of colour around his home with an array of flowers. He was a man that enjoyed music and had a great love for dancing. He was light hearted and always loved to draw his sociability into any circumstances. Tim never lost his love for his native Mallow and the people there reciprocated by always enjoyed having him back in the fold when he visited his native sod. Tim’s friendship base stretched far and wide as was seen at the reposing of his remains in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday 15th April. His remains were removed from his home on Saturday to St. Mary’s Church for his Funeral Mass. Following Mass he was laid to rest alongside his wife Mary in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To his sons Terence and Kevin, daughters, Anne, Patricia, Madeleine and Mary, sister Noreen, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Corlea Interpretive Centre Reopens
The most interesting of local history sites locally is the Corlea Interpretive Centre on the way to Kenagh. Following the winter break the centre has reopened for the coming season. The tour is give by the very knowledgeable staff and remarkably all of this comes free of charge. For anyone that has not yet been there or is having visitors and looking for a place to go then this is the very place to go.
In addition to the Interpretive Centre there is now a magnificent walkway created around the centre and one that many local are currently using as one of their regular walks.
Super Saturday
Next Saturday will see our two local county teams enter the fray in their respective provincial championships. Longford with local lads Iarla O’Sullivan and Oran Kenny will take on Westmeath in Mullingar on Saturday at 6pm. Roscommon on the other hand will take on Sligo, victors over New York last week, in Markievicz Park, Sligo also on Saturday at 5pm. Our local representatives the Murtagh brothers Ciaran and Diarmuid so instrumental in the defeat of Galway in the National League Final will, no doubt, be once again the leaders of the Roscommon forward line.
We wish both counties every success on Saturday and look forward to progression in both championships.
Ballyleague Bingo continues
Ballyleague Bingo has returned to Ballyleague Hall on Thursday nights last and will continue every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
25 Card Game
Results from Sunday 10th April 25 card drive in St Marys Parish hall are 1st Jim & Kitty, 2nd Brendan & Jerry. Last game was Annie & Kitty. Raffle winners were Peter Gregg, Tom Rooney and Tom Rock.
The results of the game on Sunday night last 24th April are 1st PJ & Bridie Glennon. 2nd Michael Finnan & Noel McDermott. Last game Niall & Liz Hughes. Raffle winners Tommy Fox, Eugene Kelly, Kathleen Maguire and Tom Nohilly.
The game will continue next Sunday with play starting at 8 30 pm sharp. Refreshments serve. Thanks to all for the support.
Darkness into Light
After a two years absence due to Covid restrictions the in person Darkness into Light 5k will resume supporting Pieta House. We all know the outstanding benefit of Pieta House and the support they continue to offer. Every community has people within it that need the Pieta House support and their free services makes it accessible for everyone.
Pieta House provide a professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of their services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.
This year the Electric Ireland Darkness into Light 5k will take place at 4.15am on Saturday 7th May in 4 centres locally. In Longford Town at the Mall and in Ballymahon from Ballymahon Vocational School and in Roscommon Town from the Convent Gym and also in Strokestown from the Strokestown Community Centre.
Registration can take place online at darknessintolight.ie to avoid the delay of morning registration.
- Alternatively sign up to one of our in-person walks across Ireland and the world.
- Taking part your own way and sharing your sunrise moment with family, friends or colleagues.
- Take part in the Darkness into Light Challenge – when you select this option, we’re waiving the sign-up fee for anyone who pledges to fundraise €200. Get creative with your activity, and remember that no matter how you choose to take part this year, you’ll be giving the gift of hope to those in your community in suicidal crisis, or self-harming.
Please support/donate and take part it may create that vital support for someone that may be in need and who know you are taking part. That awareness might just be the pivot that will give the confidence to the person to chat with you and avail of the Pieta House services.
Ed Sheeran tickets
The Ed Sheeran ticket sale for the Shannon Gaels Minor Club and the Rathcline Ladies Club draw was fantastic. Both clubs would like to express their thanks for the wonderful support they received.
The winners were two local people. The two tickets for Saturday 23rd went to Caoimhe Byrne, Carrowstrawley and the two tickets for the concert on Sunday 24th was Joe Greally, Greenhall Lower.
Death
It came as a great shock when we learned of the death in Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home on Thursday 7th April of Mary Carroll, Kilnalossett, Curraghroe. Mai as she was most commonly known was a well known figure in the community and indeed further afield. She was predeceased by her parents Peggy and James J., her brother Jimmy and her sisters Catherine and Joan. Mai was a woman of great faith with a great dedication to the Lord. She had a very caring personality. She always enjoyed company and having a chat. She had many great expressions and sayings that will bring her memory to mind when they are heard in time to come. Mai will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to know her and none more so than her very caring sisters Imelda and Patricia.
Her remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Sunday 10th April before she was removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh. On Monday the Mass of the Resurrection took place before she was laid to rest in Derrane Cemetery.
To her sisters Imelda Carberry and Patricia O’Connor, USA, nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The first outing of 2022 took place at Co Longford GC, last Friday 22nd April. A good number of members turned out, unfortunately no ladies made it, with last minute cancellations. The weather started off fairly cold but warmed up around midday, and stayed dry throughout. The course was in excellent condition, with the greens playing fast. The fast greens suited quite a number of our members with the scores reflecting this. The results for the day are as follows, Front Nine Jackie McDonnell 22pts, Back Nine JJ Shea 19 pts. The winner was Kevin McLaughlin 41 pts, 2nd Peter Day 40 pts, 3rd Tony Patton 39 pts. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Society will have a change of date for the next outing in May to the Slieve Russell Golf Club. The new date will be communicated later. The Lough Ree Golfing Society would love to welcome new members to join with them.
Wilder and Gold Coffee Shop
While the weather throughout Easter weekend was very poor, the weekend heralded the opening of Wilder & Gold in Lanesboro. Wilder & Gold opened a few years ago in Ballymahon by local lady Marie O’Dowd, daughter of Margaret and the late Kevin O’Dowd, Barnacor and has been thriving there ever since. This year Marie will be operating her new venture in Lanesboro where Wilder & Gold will be situated in the Distillery Yard. The Distillery Yard was opened last year by the Clancy family and now will host the name wilder & Gold. We wish Marie the very best of luck.
Brown Coins
Ballyleague National School Parents’ Association are currently undertaking a fundraising initiative by collecting ‘brown coins'(1c, 2c & 5c coins). Do you have a jar/container of these coins in your home and are willing to donate them to the school? If so, please contact Angela Mullooly (087-7955098), Noreen Hanley (087-6944775) or Claire Flynn (086-8814590) to arrange collection/delivery.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Paul and Catriona Hession and family, Lisrevagh, on the death of Paul’s father Sonny Hession, Cummer, Co. Galway who passed away on Thursday 21st April.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The president, committee and membership of Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club were saddened to learn of the death of Renee Walsh, a member of our club since it began back in 2000 and a bridge player for fifty years.
Renee was a highly refined and capable lady who loved the game and brought to the table a gentle and tranquilising effect. She played with various partners but her two main partners over years were Mary McGushin and Mary Jameson.
Her departure is a great loss to all who knew her.
We offer our sincere sympathy to Fabian and Diane. RIP Renee.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline 50/50 draw on Monday night 11th April took place in the Yacht Bar. The winning ticket drawn was in the name of Cathal and Fiona Chapman, Lisnacusha who won the highest jackpot for some time. Cathal and Final were the winners of €502, a figure that the club were trying to achieve for a time.
The following week, Monday 18th April there was great hopes that a jackpot in the region of €500 could once again be achieved. There was great delight and jubilation on that Monday night when their efforts were rewarded greatly and the jackpot reached a staggering €580. Noel Gavigan, Corrigeen, was the lucky winner of the €580 prize that was drawn in Adie’s bar.
The draw on Monday 25th took place in Clarke’s Bar and hopefully the jackpot will once again stay over the €500 mark.
You can, if you prefer, play the 50/50 for a year, pink ticket for €100 or for 6 months on the green ticket for €50. These options are also available on the revamped and live Rathcline club app.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Samantha, Wendy, Louise and Aideen Glynn, and their families, Lanesboro on the death of their uncle, their late mother Betty Glynn’s brother, Sonny O’Shea, Longford Town who died on Wednesday last 20th April.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 23rd to 27th May. The pilgrimage director is Msgr. Bernard Noonan PP Moate, Co. Westmeath, phone 090 64 81180. All bookings to be made through Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin who are the flight operators 01 2410812.
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. Contact Assumpta for information by phoning her on 086 8114135.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Bernadette Clancy and family, Rathcline Road on the death on Thursday last 21st April of her brother in law Frank Sheridan, Ballinalee.
Mini Marathon
Following the Covid restricted two-year absence, the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon will take place in Dublin on Sunday 5th June. As was the norm pre lockdown Pam Farrell is running a bus from Lanesboro to Dublin for the race. To book a seat or to get more information phone Pam on 087 4146987 after 6pm.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Lanesboro Library
Poetry & Music. The next meeting for this group will be Thursday 5th May at 3pm.
Services The library provides photocopying, printing, and scanning services.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
A one-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday 20th August. The bus will leave Ballyleague hall at 7am. For all enquiries and bookings contact Mary 043 33 21969. Information on the pilgrimage can be got at www.loughderg.org
Ballyboro FC
The under 11s were in fine form when they defeated Kenagh United in an entertaining tussle last week. The team displayed great cohesion, teamwork and no little skill when they got the better of their opponents by a 2-1 margin. Éanna Kenny and Darragh “Messi” Shanley with a typically audacious finish were the goalscorers. Panel: Michael Hogan, Tom Hession, Darragh Shanley, Darragh McGloin, Luke O’Halloran, Ethan Donnellan, Adam Greally, Owen Collins, Éanna Kenny.
Regular goalkeeper Mark Tarmey playing in the unaccustomed role for him as striker, was the star performer in Ballyboro’s 3-3 draw with Gaels United in the Combined counties League. Mark’s two goals was a major factor in the team securing a well deserved draw in what was a keenly contested game. Team: Jordan Donlon, Patrick Kenny, Greg Cassidy, Luke Lisle, Ryan Byrne, Alan Kenny, Dylan Donlon, Garth O’Reilly, Darragh Hussey(1), Kevin Tansey, Mark Tarmey(2).
The under 16s bowed out of the Cup at the quarter final stage when they were defeated by a strong Ballymahon team. Ballymahon were on top in the first half and were 3-0 in front at the interval. However a spirited Ballyboro team never gave up and were largely superior in the second half, but spurned a few goal scoring opportunities. Ballymahon added two more goals in injury time to win deservedly but by a margin that flattered them. Ballyboro: Ronan Cox, Jack Brogan, Jack Casey, Cormac O’Dowd, Jack Beattie, David Cox, Anthony Cox, Gabriel Klava, Euan Cullen, Ben Murphy, Eoin Cox. Subs: Daragh Creedon, Kevin Donlon, Wesley Hughes, Brendan Mulvihill, James Mimnagh, Luke Johnston, Luke Cullen, Nathan McCloat, Christian O’Reilly.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s Lotto draw took place on Tuesday 4th April at the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 3, 10, 16 and 30. There was no winner of the €12,000 and the jackpot will once again be up for grabs on Tuesday 19th April. The three winners of the €40 prizes were Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop, Jimmy Hudson, Ballyleague and Senan Hussey, Ballyleague.
The next draw is scheduled for 3rd May for the €12,000 jackpot.
Tidy Towns
On Tuesday 19th April the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €7,800 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €7,900 for the draw on 26th April. The winning numbers drawn on the 19th April were 10, 28, 91 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was John Rice, Cloontuskert, and the three €20 prizes went to Mike Greene c/o FÁS, Michael Kelly, Abbeyshrule, c/o O’Brien’s and Mary Rice, Cloontuskert.
The funds raised from the lottery is providing the financial support to do lots of planting around the town where the most recent is the shrubs planted on the recently renovated footpaths around the corner.
St. Mary’s Church
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 23rd to 27th May. The pilgrimage director is Msgr. Bernard Noonan PP Moate, Co. Westmeath, phone 090 64 81180. All bookings are to be made through Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin who are the flight operators 01 2410812.
Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
A one-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday 20th August. The bus will leave Ballyleague hall at 7am. For all enquiries and bookings contact Mary 043 33 21969. Information on the pilgrimage can be got at www.loughderg.org
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30am until 8pm. It is very important that there will be at least two people in the church for each hour of the Adoration.
Weekday Mass intentions can now to be booked for weekends as well as weekdays. The lifting of the Covid restrictions has returned the anniversary and family masses to be booked for any day from now on. People wishing to book masses can do so by contacting Fr Sergiy before or after mass during the week in the Sacristy.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has resumed on Friday evenings, starting this Friday evening and it will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm. Exposition will be followed Mass at 7pm. It is also an opportunity to avail of the opportunity for Confession.
Trócaire Box
If you have not already picked up your Lenten Trócaire Box, you can do so by dropping into St. Mary’s Church when you are passing. The Trócaire boxes are available in the church porch and your support will be greatly appreciated. This year Trócaire is supporting the people of Zimbabwe
Parish contacts
Fr. Sergiy can be contacted at the presbytery or by phoning 3321166 or 0833892362. For added support and assistance, you can also contact Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Shannon Gaels
Congratulations
The club congratulates clubmen Gareth Johnston, Pierre Boudin and the county minor team who on Wednesday 20th April in the final round of the round robin secured their place in the Leinster Minor Quarter final where they will meet the winners of the Westmeath v Wicklow clash that takes place on this Wednesday evening.
Ticket Winners
The winners of the Ed Sheeran tickets were two local young people who happen to be players in the Minor club and the Ladies club. The two tickets for Saturday 23rd went to Caoimhe Byrne, Carrowstrawley and the two tickets for the concert on Sunday 24th was Joe Greally, Greenhall Lower.
We hope that both had a wonderful time at the concerts.
The minor club would like to extend their thanks to everyone that supported the draw making it an outstanding success.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to Paul Hession his wife Kate and sons Tom and Mark on the death of Paul’s father Sonny Hession, Cummer, Co. Galway who dies on Thursday last 21st April.
Lots of activity
All week long there will be a lot of activity for all the age groups. We wish them all the very best of luck.
Easter Camp
There was a great turnout of boys and girls our first Easter Camp. The sessions were led by our new Games Promotion Officer Declan McKenna. The central points of the camp focussed on Strength and Conditioning and Nutrition. Thanks Declan.
Well Done
The senior team got off to a very good start. They travelled to Abbeylara for the first game of the league and came away with a draw against a much fancied Abbeylara. They continue this Sunday 1st May in Clonbonny when they entertain Colmcille at 2pm.
Rathcline GAA notes
Click on the link and see PRO Cathal Chapman’s latest update on the club is this week.